VOICE OF THE PEOPLE (letter).

American values

November 01, 2003|By David Borris.

Highland Park — I am writing in response to letter writer Robert Kaufman's letter in which he expresses the view that your paper should censor the "Doonesbury" comic strip if it wants to uphold American values. Where in the world did Kaufman get the idea that stifling dissent is in any way, shape or form consistent with traditional American values?

I realize that we are living in an era when many people in powerful positions are giving the public the impression that disagreement with governmental actions is unpatriotic and even tantamount to treason. But each and every one of them should walk to the local library and begin rereading some U.S. history. They can begin with the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. At some point, you will likely comes across a quote from that great unpatriotic traitor President Theodore Roosevelt, who said, "To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but it is morally treasonable to the American public."

Freedom of expression, the right to choose, and a free and unfettered press are the principles that define American values.